RANKIN INLET, NU. — The federal government has announced the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link project in Nunavut is receiving $7 million in funding from Canada’s Northern REACHE Program.
This funding supplements previously announced funding of $4.6 million for technical and feasibility assessments through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, a release stated. The Canadian Infrastructure Bank is also providing advisory services.
Led by Nukik Corporation, the project proposes a 1,200-kilometre overhead hydroelectric transmission line between the Gillam, Man. area and the Kivalliq region of Nunavut that will help five communities and two gold mines transition away from diesel. The project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 371,000 metric tons annually and displace 138 million litres of fuel per year, the government claims.
The project will also create access to broadband service for 10,000 residents and modernize the region’s telecommunications systems.
The federal government’s 2021 budget provided $40.4 million over three years, starting in 2021–22, to support the planning of hydroelectricity and grid interconnection projects to Canada’s remote north to reduce reliance on diesel.
“The legacy of diesel infrastructure in our communities harms our environment and impacts our lands, wildlife and waters each and every day. We are now at a pivotal moment where together with our federal partners, we can demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding habitat and arctic waters while tackling a major infrastructure deficit and lack of equal socio-economic opportunities for Inuit and Nunavummiut,” stated Kono Tattuinee, president of the Kivalliq Inuit Association, in a statement.
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